General

Watchdog doubts government cost-cutting measures

PBO report pour cold water on staff reduction plans

A report by the parliamentary budget officer details significant problems with the Conservative government’s proposed budget freezes, which would reportedly save $6.8 billion over five years by cutting 11,000 public service jobs. “Overall, there is limited evidence that current plans will meet the President of Treasury Board’s public service attrition target,” the report claims. Of the 10 departments the PBO identified to reveal staffing plans, Correctional Services Canada and the RCMP refused to divulge, and only Human Resources and Skills Development Canada was able to outline a specific strategy on how services would be maintained. Treasury Board President Stockwell Day says these details remain a cabinet confidence until they are outlined in the federal budget.

The Globe and Mail

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